Minnesota Sues Feds Over Withheld Evidence in 2026 ICE Shooting Cases
In March 2026, Minnesota sued federal authorities for withholding bodycam footage and evidence from ICE shooting deaths.
Why it matters: The lawsuit highlights federal-local tensions over transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement operations involving fatal shootings.
- Two fatal shootings occurred during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis: Renee Macklin Good on Jan. 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti on Jan. 24, 2026.
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed suit in March 2026 to access withheld investigatory evidence.
- Federal prosecutors released bodycam footage and other materials to Minnesota officials in July 2026.
- Family attorneys criticized the federal government for delaying access to critical evidence.
- The lawsuit does not involve the Trump administration but reflects ongoing issues with federal cooperation.
On January 7, 2026, during Operation Metro Surge—a federal immigration enforcement campaign in Minneapolis—ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. Seventeen days later, Customs and Border Protection officials fatally shot Alex Pretti, a nurse, during the same operation.
In March 2026, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed a lawsuit against the federal government over the withholding of critical investigative evidence, including body camera videos and physical evidence connected to both shootings. The suit alleged federal officials obstructed local efforts to obtain this material.
Moriarty stressed the urgency of obtaining the evidence, stating, "Obtaining this evidence has been a priority for us since January 7, the day Renee Good was shot and killed." Contrary to initial reports, the lawsuit does not implicate the Trump administration, as these events occurred in 2026 under a later administration.
In July 2026, federal prosecutors responded by releasing bodycam footage and other relevant materials to Minnesota authorities, including Good’s vehicle. This release marked a significant step forward for local investigators and the families seeking justice.
Steve Schleicher, legal counsel for the Pretti family, criticized the federal government's delay and lack of transparency, saying, "No family should be required to beg federal authorities to do their job." These developments underscore ongoing challenges in federal-local cooperation and the necessity for transparency in fatal encounters during immigration enforcement operations.
By the numbers:
- January 7, 2026 — Date of Renee Macklin Good’s shooting by ICE agent.
- March 2026 — Minnesota filed lawsuit to access withheld evidence.
- July 2026 — Federal prosecutors released bodycam footage and investigative materials.
Yes, but: While evidence release occurred in July 2026, questions remain about whether this will lead to policy changes or criminal prosecutions.
What's next: Local authorities continue reviewing the released evidence; potential legal actions and policy discussions regarding immigration enforcement transparency are expected.